Since the 1989 Supreme Court decision Texas v. Johnson struck down flag-protection laws, The American Legion and other members of the Citizens Flag Alliance have worked tirelessly toward gaining the passage of a constitutional amendment to protect Old Glory from acts of physical desecration.

Two measures in the 111th Congress are addressing the issue. House Joint Resolution 47, introduced April 30 by Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo., has been referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. And S.J. Res. 47, introduced by Sen. David Vitter, R-La., was introduced May 6 and currently sits in the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Both pieces of legislation are very simple: "The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States."

All American Legion family members are asked to contact their senators and representatives. Ask them to become co-sponsors of the flag-protection constitutional amendment; if they are already co-sponsors, thank them for their support.